Robert L. "Bob" Vernon, Sr.

Robert L. "Bob" Vernon, Sr., 87, of Parsons, passed away early Saturday morning, December 10, 2016 at the Parsons Presbyterian Manor.

He was born April 22, 1929 at Sperry, Oklahoma to Edwin C. Vernon, Sr. and Ada (Lookingbill) Vernon. As a toddler, he moved to Moundridge, Kansas with his family and during his grade school years moved to Burrton, Kansas where he attended a two-room school house. They later moved to McPherson, Kansas where he graduated from high school and attended McPherson College.

In 1949, he entered the United States Navy and served until 1953. During his time in the Navy, he was stationed in Quanset Point, Rhode Island where he served as an aviation electrician. While on leave, Bob was introduced to his Navy buddy's girlfriend, Roberta Lagor. After winning her heart, they were united in marriage on February 14, 1953 at Pawtucket, Rhode Island. Following their marriage, they moved to Wichita where he worked for Kansas Gas and Electric and then transferred to Parsons in 1967. He retired from KG&E in 1986 after 33 years with the company.

He was a member of St. Patrick's Catholic Church in Parsons. He was a devoted husband, loving father, and adoring grandfather who especially enjoyed all activities of his family. In earlier years, Bob was an avid athlete who participated in baseball, softball and bowling. Family time for the Vernon's included playing cards, camping, fishing, and waterskiing which always turned into a competition of tricks. He and Roberta were active members of the Swing and Twirl Square Dance Club for numerous years.

Following their retirement, Bob and Roberta became snow birds who enjoyed traveling across the United States and wintering in Arizona. Throughout their years in Arizona, Bob played on three softball leagues until the age of 72! In recent years, he had volunteered at St. Vincent DePaul Society. He also was an active member of the Parsons Bowling League, Parsons VFW, and the Brown-Bishop Post No. 704, Veterans of Foreign Wars, Honor Guard for several years.

Survivors include:
Wife: Roberta - of the Parsons Presbyterian Manor
One Son: Robert L. Vernon, Jr. and his wife, Debbie - Ft. Scott, Kansas
Three Daughters: Debbie Sprague and her husband, Joe - rural Parsons, Kansas
Carol Ludwig and her husband, Mark - Parsons, Kansas
Sherie Spencer and her husband, Brent - Hesston, Kansas
Twelve Grandchildren
Seventeen Great-grandchildren

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by one brother, Ed Vernon, Jr., and a grandson, Paul Decker.

The funeral Mass will be held at 10:00 a.m., Thursday, December 15, 2016 at St. Patrick Catholic Church with Fr. Jason Borkenhagen officiating. Following cremation, burial will be at the Ft. Scott National Cemetery at a later date.

The Rosary will be prayed at 7:00 p.m., Wednesday at the Forbes-Hoffman Funeral Home in Parsons. The family will receive friends immediately following the rosary from 7:30 – 8:30 p.m. at the funeral home.

Memorial contributions are suggested to the Brown-Bishop Post No. 704, Veterans of Foreign Wars, of Parsons. The memorials may be left at or mailed to the Forbes-Hoffman Funeral Home, P.O. Box 374, Parsons, KS 67357.

Online condolences may be left at www.forbeshoffman.com.